Obituary of Maria Juarez Lopez

February 10, 1943 -September 16, 2017

40 Year Resident of Santa Cruz

A recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday and Thursday for Maria Juarez Lopez who passed away peacefully at her home this past Saturday. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, she was 74 years old. Maria worked in the produce business for E.V. Moceo Company and leaves many dear friends and colleagues who will remember her kind and generous ways during her 30-year career there.

Maria had a fondness for cooking, and operated her own food stand in Aguascalientes.

Upon moving to Santa Cruz, she began a tradition of preparing wonderful meals for her family and friends. She had a passion for helping her family grow through the nourishment and unconditional love that she provided. Her family was her life, and she was very grateful to have been blessed with the ability to play with, and spend time with her beloved children and their families. She was immensely proud of her loved ones. Maria was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children: Pilar Mendoza, Braulia Chavez, Patricia Lopez, Yolanda Lopez–Casillas, Alex Lopez and Jessica and Bernardo Alfaro. She also leaves 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, along with many loving extended family.

Friends may pay their respects at a viewing on Wednesday September 20, 2017 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. The rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the chapel and the mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning September 21st at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church (515 Frederick Street) in Santa Cruz beginning at 10 O'clock a.m.